<p style="text-align:justify"><span>My work focuses on the application of new and established bio-optical <em>in situ</em> instruments for the characterization of the inherent and apparent optical properties of the water. From these data, the relationship to the optically active substances (phytoplankton, CDOM, and non-algal particles) in the water are investigated to obtain ecologically relevant information (e.g. phytoplankton distribution) and develop new parameterizations of underwater light attenuation. A further focus are imaging approaches (e.g. FlowCam) to relate bio-optical information with particle characteristics and phytoplankton taxonomy.</span></p>